There is indeed no quicker way to reward your dog than to give it tasty treats. However, treats can add substantial amounts of calories to your dog’s normal diet. As a matter of fact, most treats you can buy at the store exceed the recommended daily energy allowance for treats according to a study published in the Vet Record journal. The study states that labelling that is not explicit or detailed enough about the ingredients and the energy content of treats puts dogs at a higher risk of gaining weight. Fortunately, there are healthy treats you can give your dog without worrying about it becoming obese or having increased risk of conditions like diabetes.

Harmful ingredients

Before you go out shopping for commercial healthy dog treats, you should know what to look for. First, avoid treats that have added sugar or sucrose or corn syrup or any other sweetener.  Sweeteners are not necessary for your dog’s diet and only increase s the risk of your dog developing arthritis, tooth problems, allergies and more. Read the label carefully and if you see “soy”, don’t buy it because soy does not offer a lot of nutrition benefits for your dog.  The treat should also be grain-free, corn-free and should have no dairy. Make sure the treat is sourced in the USA because not all countries have the high pet food standards like those in the United States.

Your dog is a meat eater

People sometimes forget that dog’s are natural Meat eaters. So, naturally the first healthy treat you should think of is real meat that is cooked. Use treats made from lean meat (beef, turkey, chicken, and bison). Lean meats are packed with protein and are easier on your dog’s waistline. You can choose to buy the commercial lean meat treats or make them at home.  If you decide to go with the beef, choose beef with no artificial ingredients.

Dogs eat veggies and fruits too

Skip treats that are high in fat and sugar and instead introduce your dog to veggies and fruits. Vegetables like baby carrots, broccoli and even cabbage have negligible amounts of calories. You can also give the dog watermelon, banana and apple slices. Just make sure the fruit you give the dog does not have seeds.

Avoid giving your dog hard treats like bones or treats that contain caffeine or chocolate in them. Treats should just be a way to communicate to your dog that you are pleased with something it did.  It is not the dog’s main meal and should not be given if it is not earned.